The Fraser River's depth at South Fort George could reach a level not seen in 40 years by today, the River Forecast Centre is predicting.
In a flood warning issued Monday morning, the Centre said the Fraser should peak at 10.3 to 10.8 metres.
By comparison, the level struck 9.84 metres in 2007 and 10.4 metres in 1972.
In response, the city issued evacuation orders Monday to 17 homes on Farrell Street and one on Regent Street.
As well, the regional district issued evacuation alerts to 22 homes in Foreman Flats and 10 in Shelley.
And the city declared local states of emergency for five areas around Prince George - Lansdowne, Houston Lane, PG Pulpmill Road, River Road and the rest of the Farrell Street area from Royal Crescent to the river.
A crew was also out increasing the height of the temporary gabion diking along Farrell Street.
"If those gabions are expected to be effective, they have to be higher," said city spokesperson Chris Bone.
Regent Crescent resident Kathy McCaffrey was less than pleased with the work after she was forced to take an end run around the temporary diking to reach her home across from Paddlewheel Park. She called the effort an overreaction.
"We've been here for 20 years and it's never been a problem," McCaffrey said and added the water comes up into the park every year.
"It always goes right up to the top of the tables and the gazebo and it's not even to the top of their benches yet," McCaffrey said.
Evacuation alert notices previously distributed to 14 business and 21 residences on River Road June 6 are still in effect. They have been joined by new alerts for roughly 18 residences on the north side of PG Pulp Mill Road, two properties on Weins Road, three on Hazelton Street and those in the Spruce Capital Trailer Park, Bone said.
In Prince George, city hall has been designated as the reception centre and, if required, affected residents are eligible for short term emergency assistance of food and shelter.
Regional district officials are expecting the river in Shelley will peak above the 7.6 metre flood level that was experienced in 2009 and residents were urged to be cautious around rivers and streams.
"High water-flows can cause bank erosion and instability, and currents in the river can be volatile and unpredictable. Please avoid all streams and water bodies with rising levels," regional district spokeswoman Renee McCloskey said.
